CLADCO DECKING Fibre Cement Exterior Wall Cladding Board Installation Guide
- June 12, 2024
- CLADCO DECKING
Table of Contents
FIBRE CEMENT AND TRIMS
Installation Guide, Aftercare and FAQs
Fibre Cement Exterior Wall Cladding Board
Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding
Boards have been designed to last, manufactured with increased durability.
Each Board is designed to replicate the natural variants of traditional timber
cladding. It is recommended to purchase all Boards required for the project at
the same time, as this will ensure colour consistency within the batch and a
single delivery cost. Please note that the Board colours can have slight
variations within each batch. To avoid this it is recommended to buy all the
Boards you need at once.
It is recommended to lay out all Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards
before installation, to ensure the natural effect of grain, colour and tone is
balanced across the whole of your Cladding project.
STORAGE AND HANDLING
Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards should always be stored in a cool,
dry, shaded spot, on a flat level surface with the entire Board supported.
Ensure Boards are protected from the weather and they are protected from dust,
water and debris.
Wet Boards should not be installed as this can result in butt joints
shrinking. Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards should always be moved and
carried by two physically abled people, edge to edge, to prevent the Boards
from bending, cracking or splitting. Take care when handling and moving the
Fibre Cement Boards, and avoid bending or arching movements, as this can cause
them to shatter.
GUARANTEE
Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards are supplied with a 10-year
guarantee subject to terms and conditions. Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding
Boards should be installed as per this Installation Guide. Failure to do so
may invalidate the guarantee.
For further information, visit www.cladcodecking.co.uk/cladcoprofiles-
limited-conditions-sale
TOOLS
Protective Equipment
When handling or carrying Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards, it is
advised to wear long sleeves and gloves to protect any exposed skin. When
cutting Boards, to protect yourself from the dust a Level P3 Respiratory
Protective Mask must be worn.
Ear defenders and safety glasses are also recommended. When handling Trims, it
is advised to wear Cut Level 5 Protective Gloves to protect your hands from
the sharp metal edges.
Tool Set
Standard everyday DIY or carpentry tools such as a tape measure, spirit level,
pencil and Stanley knife.
Cutting Tools
Wet, low-speed and low-dust cutting tools are recommended, however, a standard
wet circular saw blade with carbide teeth, or a hand-held wet circular saw
with a diamond saw blade, will be able to cut through the material, if
necessary. A metal hacksaw will be able to cut through the aluminium Trims and
Perforated Closures once measured.
Staple Gun
Used when fixing the Damp Proof Course material into the Wooden Battens.
Health and Safety
When working with Fibre Cement materials, it is imperative that proper care is
taken and necessary precautions are met.
When Fibre Cement Boards are cut, fine dust is released into the atmosphere –
the mineral itself is harmless, however dangerous if inhaled and will
constitute a health hazard. A Level P3 Respiratory Protective Mask should be
worn when cutting the Boards.
DO’S & DON’TS
| Do not install Fibre Cement
Wall Cladding if the Boards, building or the surrounding areas are wet|
| Do not cut the Fibre Cement
Wall Cladding Boards indoors
---|---|---|---
| Do not dry sweep dust or
debris off the Boards, as it may cause the particles to enter the air and
could be inhaled – wipe away with a damp cloth| 
| Always follow the tool manufacturer’s safety
recommendations when using saws or other machinery
| Nail guns can be used for fixing the Boards| 
| Always carry Fibre Cement Boards horizontally with the
help of another physically abled adult
PREPARING THE WALL
BIRD’S-EYE VIEW STEP 1: BATTENS
Install 50mm x 50mm Recycled Plastic Battens flush to the wall, creating a minimum 38mm ventilation gap between the wall and the Fibre Cement Cladding Boards.
Battens must be no more than 600mm apart, reducing to 400mm or 500mm at boundary areas, and a clear space of 38mm should be left at the base of the Battens.”
If your home has a gable end, Battens must be spaced up to 600mm apart with additional, shorter supporting Battens installed every 200mm between, going up and down the apex (the triangular shape of your gable end).
This ensures the Boards are fully supported across the entire build.
Ensure all Battens are vertical and level using either a tape measure or a spirit level before moving on to the Trims and details.
Please note: the Damp Proof Course must be installed on any Battens around corners, or on any double Battens (where two Cladding Boards are butted together).
Wall End Connection Trims must be installed behind Battens. Refer to our separate Fibre Cement Trims Installation Guide for further details.
INSTALLATION
STEP 2: CORNER TRIMS AND
START TRIM
Once the Battens are installed a Water Proof Strip or DPC (Damp Proof Course)
must be fitted to any Batten which will have a Corner Trim attached to it, or
borders any windows or doors. Fix the DPC using a staple gun at regular
intervals. Then, at the base of the Battens secure the Perforated Closure
using 38mm Screws.
Fix the Corner Trims to the Battens, ensuring the Trim overlaps the Batten on
either side by 10mm. Fix the Trim to the Batten using 38mm Screws, at regular
intervals until the Trim is secure.
Screw the Start Trim to the Batten, as per the diagram, only at the top of the
Trim and through both the Batten and the Perforated Closure at the base.
Ensure the lip of the Start Trim is just below the base of the Batten. Make
sure there is a 10mm clearance between the base of the Trim and the base of
the wall. 
STEP 3: FIXING THE FIRST
BOARD
The first Board will be fixed to the side of the building using the attached
Start Trim as a support.
Mark 180mm up from the base of the Start Trim and ensure it is level. This
will be where the top of your first Board will sit.
Fix the Board to the Start Trim and Battens behind with a 38mm Screw. Screws
should always be inserted at the top of the Board into the Battens.
There must be a 20mm clearance gap between the edge of the Board and each 38mm
Screw. STEP 4: FIXING THE REST OF THE BOARDS
Place your second Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Board so that the base of the
Board overlaps the top of the first Board by a minimum of 30mm. The dimensions
of the overlap must be maintained throughout the installation.
Insert the 38mm Screw through the top of the new Cladding Board into the
Batten as before.
Once the Board has been secured, measure 180mm from the top of the Board to
give the next Board’s top rate edge height. This is to ensure that the correct
gaps are being met throughout the installation. Install the rest of the Boards
following this method.
TOP TIP To
ensure coverage of your desired width, the Fibre Cement Wall Cladding
Boards may need to be butted together. The Boards can be flush next to each
other, as the Boards have a minimal expansion and contraction.
When two Boards meet, they must be supported by two adjacent Battens behind.
The double Battens must both be fitted with a Damp Proof Course before the
Boards are installed. STEP 5: INSTALLING YOUR LAST BOARD
It is unlikely that Boards will fit exactly to your wall height, and it may be
necessary to cut the last Board to the correct width. To ensure the Board is
cut correctly, measure the distance from the top of the previous Cladding
Board to the top of your wall, ensuring to include the 30mm overlap.
Leave enough space for a 10mm ventilation gap between the Boards and the
underside of the soffit.
Once the last Board is cut to size, install exactly as before.
TOP TIP Check the installation with a spirit level every four rows to
ensure the angle and level of each Board is maintained throughout.
FINISHING AROUND DOORS AND WINDOWS
WINDOWS AND DOORS
The Battens above the windows or doors will need to be installed as per Step
One with the Perforated Closure cut to the same length as the top section of a
window or door frame and installed underneath the Fibre Cement Cladding Boards
above the windows or doors. If Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards need to be
trimmed and cut to fit around doors and windows, measure the space needed and
cut the Boards to length. Be sure to wear a Level P3 Respiratory Protective
Mask when cutting the Boards.
Before the Wall Cladding can be installed around any windows or doors,
Asymmetric External Corner Trims must be fixed to the Battens, fitted using
38mm Screws at regular intervals. If your doors, windows or walls require
bespoke Trims, these are fitted here instead of the Asymmetric External Corner
Trims.
Once installed correctly the Wall Cladding Boards can be fitted onto the
Asymmetric External Corner Trims. Secure the cut-to-size Boards using 38mm
Screws. If installing Boards into a window reveal, please refer to our Fibre
Cement Trims Installation Guide for further detail.
IF YOU REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRIMS AND
FIXINGS FOR YOUR PROJECT, PLEASE SPEAK TO US FOR ASSISTANCE.
FIBRE CEMENT TRIMS
STEP 1:
INSTALL PERFORATED CLOSURES
Perforated Closure must be installed before the Trims. Start by measuring the
width of the top and bottom of the walls and windows, as well as the width of
any doors. Cut the Perforated Closure to the correct lengths using a hacksaw.
Using 38mm Screws, fix the Perforated Closure onto the Timber Battens along
the top and bottom of the walls, windows and the top edge of any door frames.
STEP 2: MEASURE AND
INSTALL CORNER TRIMS
Measure the height of all external and internal corners of your building, as
well as the height of windows and to cut the Symmetric Corner Trims (for
external wall corners), Asymmetric External Corner Trims (for external window
and door corners), and Internal Corner Trims (for internal wall corners) to
the correct sizes. Use 38mm screws to install each of the Corner Trims into
place. doors. Once measured, use a hacksaw 
STEP 3: MEASURE AND INSTALL WALL END TRIMS
Measure the height of the Battens along the outer edge of your Fibre Cement
Wall Cladding installation and cut the Wall End Trims to matching lengths. Fix
the Wall End Trim behind the Batten and then secure the Batten into the wall
and through the Trim.
Please note: Wall End Trims must be installed before securing Battens to
the wall.
STEP 4: INSTALL START
TRIMS
Measure the length of the base of your wall and cut the Start Trim to the
correct size using a hacksaw. Using 38mm Screws, secure the Start Trim over
the top of the Perforated Closure and overlap the External and Internal
Corners Trims installed in the previous
steps. Leave at least a 10mm gap from the base of the wall to the Start Trim.
FIBRE CEMENT TRIMS
WINDOW AND DOOR
REVEALS
STEP 1
Alongside the Asymmetric External Corner Trims previously installed around
windows and doors, secure Connection Profile Trims to the internal corners of
a window or door reveal using 38mm Screws, as shown in the diagram.
Make sure that the small painted edge of the Connection Profile Trim sits
neatly against the window or door frame. 
FINISH WINDOW OR DOOR REVEALS
STEP 2
Cladco Fibre Cement Boards can be cut to the same width as the window or door
reveals using a wet saw and a Level P3 Respiratory Protective Mask. Slot the
Board between the Connection Profile Trim and the Asymmetric External Corner
Trim. Use 38mm Screws to fix the Boards into place.
TRIMS AROUND WINDOW
HEADS
STEP 3
Measure a Connection Profile Trim to fit the top internal corner of a window
or door head. Cut the Connection Profile Trim using a hacksaw and secure into
place using 38mm Screws. This will provide adequate support for the
overhanging Fibre Cement Board under the window or door head.
TRIMS AROUND WINDOW
HEADS
STEP 4
Measure and cut the Fibre Cement Board in the same way as before and secure
the Fibre Cement Board in place using 38mm Screws. Make sure there is at least
a 20mm gap between the edge of the Board and the Perforated Trim to allow for
adequate airflow.
View from
underneath showing 20mm visible gap for airflow
FINISHING ABOVE WINDOWS OR DOORS
STEP 5
Before installing the next Fibre Cement Board above a window or door frame,
a section of the Board matching the width of the window or door frame will
need to be measured and cut using a wet saw. Once cut, secure the Board in
place using 38mm Screws into supporting Battens.
AFTERCARE
MAINTENANCE
Ensure your Boards are kept clear of debris and dirt by cleaning with
lukewarm or cold water. A mild, household dish soap can be added for more
stubborn stains such as bird droppings.
Mildew and algae should not grow on the Boards, thanks to their rot and
weatherproof properties. Ensure the Boards are kept clean of dirt, pollution
and other stains by checking them annually and giving them a quick clean when
necessary.
Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards are painted using a paint-and-bake
method to give them their durable properties and unique look. However, the
Boards can be painted with any coloured outdoor paint for an alternative
colour. If you are wishing to paint the Cladding Boards, it is recommended to
purchase the Unpainted Fibre Cement Cladding Board.
Important – Do not use high-pressured cleaning systems on Cladco Fibre Cement
Wall Cladding Boards as this may cause damage to the paint and finish of the
Boards.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can I install my Fibre Cement Cladding Boards?
Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards can be installed on any interior or exterior surface with the correct support structure on garages, sheds, houses, or garden rooms.
Can I use a pressure washer?
Pressure washers are not recommended to be used on Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards as the pressure could strip the Boards of their paint layers and properties. Simply clean using lukewarm or cold water and light detergent with a cloth or soft brush.
What is dimensionally very stable?
Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards, like any material exposed to sunlight over a prolonged period of time, will get warmer. Like most materials, when Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards change temperature, slight expansion or contraction within the Boards can occur. These changes are minimal compared to alternative products on the market.
Can Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards be installed vertically?
Cladco Fibre Cement Cladding Boards cannot be installed vertically. The Cladco Fibre Cement Boards are designed to be installed horizontally using a feathering technique, giving your building an attractive finished appearance. Installing the Boards vertically is not recommended by Cladco Profiles as detailed in Cladco Terms and Conditions.
Can Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards be painted?
Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding have been painted using a paint and bake method which gives the Boards increased durability and strength. Boards can either be painted an alternative colour (if you are doing this, we recommend purchasing the Unpainted Board) and can be touched up if necessary.
Are the Boards scratch resistant?
Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Boards, thanks to their three layers of baked paint, have increased scratch resistance properties. The baked paint increases the Boards’ durability and should not scratch, or mark easily. Boards may still scratch if handled incorrectly.
What colours are available?
Can I order a Sample?
Cladco Fibre Cement Wall Cladding Samples can be ordered via the website, or by contacting our friendly sales team on 01837 659901. You can choose two of the nine available options above to sample. The Sample Swatches come with a Cladco Decking Brochure and a Price List.
ORDER ONLINE
www.cladcodecking.co.uk
or call 01837659901
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FIBRE CEMENT
WALL CLADDING
Light Grey| FIBRE CEMENT
WALL CLADDING
Blue
01837 659901
www.cladcodecking.co.uk| 01837 659901
www.cladcodecking.co.uk
Head Office
Beardown Road
Exeter Road Industrial Estate
Okehampton
Devon
EX20 1UA
01837 659901
info@cladco.co.uk
www.cladcodecking.co.uk
References
- Cladco Decking® | Leading UK Supplier of Decking & Cladding
- Cladco Decking® | Leading UK Supplier of Decking & Cladding